Want to get published? Manitowoc author shares tips on publishing a book

Reading and writing have always been passions of mine. As a Manitowoc Public Library employee, and a published author, I’m here to help writers navigate their way through the world of publishing. I’m self-published as well as published traditionally — a "hybrid" author.

After writing your manuscript, and polishing it with the help of critique partners or volunteer readers, you may be wondering what your options are for publication. Many writers dream of seeing their books on the shelves of Barnes & Noble, on the New York Times Bestseller List, and popular book blogs.

Traditional (or trade) publishing with one of the “Big 5” is the hardest avenue of publication, but one where those things are more likely to happen. These publishers—Hachette, Macmillan, HarperCollins, Simon and Schuster, and Penguin Random House — and their hundreds of imprints make up the majority of trade publishing. They offer better marketing and more press. They pay generous advances, and for everything from cover art to editing. However, you’ll have less control, such as input on design, release date, or branding. Also 99.9 percent of these publishers will require you to have a literary agent, who’s basically the gatekeeper between publishing houses and writers. Agents take 12-15 percent commission, but they’ll negotiate the best possible deal for their authors.

To obtain an agent, you’ll need to pitch your manuscript through a query letter — numerous resources on queries and agents can be found online. You can keep track of your query list on querytracker.net. I’m querying agents now — I’d love to be published with one of the Big 5!

If you want another option, try boutique publishers, such as Penner Publishing, which published my novel, Ditch Flowers. Most small presses don’t require an agent, so you can submit directly to them. The advances will likely be small (if they exist at all), there won’t be as much buzz about your books in the literary community, and you’ll have to do more promotion on your own.

Open book(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Sometimes the books are Print-On-Demand, and bookstores may not accept them. Yet, you may have more creative control, and a more personal relationship with staff. As with trade publishers above, you don’t pay to be published here.

Lastly, more and more writers turn to self-publishing. It’s a great option for the independent and detail-oriented. I’m the proud independent (indie) author of three books. Self-publishing through Createspace, or Ingram (to name two) involve slightly different details, but my advice remains the same. You’re the publisher, but you don’t have to DIY everything. Hire out jobs you’re not equipped to handle. I’m not great at technical stuff, so I pay someone to format my manuscripts. Unless you’ve got a background in design or are “really” good at it, hire a cover designer.

Covers are one of the most important factors in whether someone will read your book — let alone purchase it. Pre-made covers range from about $20 to $200 on Etsy.com.

Copy editing or developmental editing can be a costly investment, but it’s worth every penny.

Publishing on your own is rewarding, but can also be stressful and expensive. Another downside? There’s a stigma concerning indie publishing from some. If you believe in your work, and it’s as strong as you can make it, well, that’s all that matters.

It’s an amazing thing to write a book, short story or poem, let alone have the courage to put it “out there” in the world. Books and stories are important. As a reader I’m grateful to the creators who’ve given me their words. As a writer, I’m grateful I get to create.

Amanda Linsmeier is a materials management page at Manitowoc Public Library.